MINISTRY RESOLVES 231 CHILD LABOUR CASES
The Ministry of Employment, Productivity and Industrial Relations has resolved 231 registered child labour cases from June 2011 until now.
This was revealed by Permanent Secretary Osea Cawaru while launching World Day against Child Labour celebrations for teachers and students in the Northern Division at the Labasa Civic Centre.
Mr Cawaru said during the current financial year (August 1, 2018, to April 30, 2019) inspectors from the ministry carried out 3134 inspections Fiji wide and kept an eye out for suspected child labour cases.
“I must thank the Employers Federation and Trade Union Organisation, in partnership with us, for educating their members on the harmful and dangerous effects of child labour,” he said.
“I congratulate and thank the International Labour Organisation in Suva
office for its continued support and technical advice in the area of child labour policy development and training needs.
“It’s through this partnership that we have been able to resolve registered child labour cases.
“The current labour legislation through the Employment Relations Act 2007 enforced by the ministry ensures that no child is employed during school hours.
“Our ministry carries out routine inspections, spot checks, awareness and advise on the importance of children being in school.
“Let me also commend those parents and guardians who have assisted in our effort of eradicating and resolving child labour cases.
“We have worked in informal settlements, towns and cities in ensuring that we advise and train our Fijian community that we don’t have any child in child labour.
“We are continuing our effort in this robust inspection process so that we educate and advocate for a child labour free society.
The International Labour Organisation estimated 218 million children between the age of five and 17 years worldwide are in employment.
It is estimated that 73 million are engaged in hazardous child labour worldwide. Edited by Epineri Vula